Next month, the renowned auction house Sotheby’s will once again be at the center stage, this time with a thrilling lineup of sports auctions aptly named “Sports Week.” This extravagant event promises to amaze sports enthusiasts and collectors alike with a curated selection of memorabilia belonging to some of the most iconic athletes in modern history. From Michael Jordan to Muhammad Ali, from Kobe Bryant to Wayne Gretzky, this auction series is gearing up to showcase the prized possessions and landmark achievements of these sports legends.
Set to commence in New York, “Sports Week” will feature a total of six live and online auctions, each focusing on different aspects of sports history and culture. Among the themed auctions planned are the “Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection,” “The Thrilla in Manila,” “ZENITH | Important Sports Artifacts,” “Court Classics | Important Basketball Sneakers,” and the “NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game,” both online and live.
The anticipation surrounding these auctions is palpable, as Sotheby’s notes a significant rise in the demand for unique sports artifacts among collectors. One of the standout lots expected to attract considerable attention is a pair of autographed shoes worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals. With an estimated value ranging between $200,000 and $400,000, these shoes hold a special place in history since they were gifted to two former Seattle Supersonics ball boys by the basketball legend himself.
Another remarkable item up for grabs is Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks from the historic 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. Previously sold for $118,500 in 2012, these trunks are now projected to fetch an impressive $4 to $6 million, highlighting the enduring appeal of Ali’s legacy in the world of sports.
The “Los Angeles Lakers | Capsule Collection” will present collectors with a chance to own pieces of basketball history, such as Kobe Bryant’s Game 1 jersey from the 2009 Finals, valued at $1.5 to $2.5 million, and a Lebron James jersey commemorating his remarkable 38,000th point game, with an estimated worth of $300,000 to $500,000. A portion of the proceeds from selected items in this collection will go towards supporting the Lakers Youth Foundation, further adding to the significance of these prized possessions.
In the “Zenith” auction, attendees can expect to see exclusive items like Jordan’s ‘Shattered Backboard’ jersey from 1985, Ernie Banks’ 500th home run jersey, and a Wayne Gretzky St. Louis Blues jersey from the 1995-96 season, all offering a glimpse into the illustrious careers of these sports icons.
Meanwhile, the NBA Auctions will feature memorabilia from the 2024 All-Star Game, including jerseys worn by basketball superstars like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, and Sabrina Ionescu during the event. With each item encapsulating a moment of triumph or history in the world of sports, these auctions are set to enthrall collectors and fans alike with the opportunity to own a piece of sporting greatness.